Bears head coach John Fox said the team is "about 95 percent sure" they will play Sunday's game against the Buccaneers in Tampa.
The location of the Week 2 matchup was in question when Hurricane Irma hit Florida this weekend. But at his Monday news conference, Fox made it sound like a strong possibility the game could be played as originally scheduled at Raymond James Stadium.
"Either way, we'll be on the road somewhere, if not (in Florida), but right now it's looking like 95 percent we'll be in Tampa Bay," Fox said. "For all of the first responders all through the state of Florida, our thoughts and prayers are with everybody there in the recovery effort."
The Buccaneers and Dolphins postponed their season openers, scheduled to be played in Miami on Sept. 10, to Week 11 due to safety concerns.
The Buccaneers chartered planes to Charlotte, N.C., on Saturday for any players, staff and family members who wanted to evacuate, according to the Tampa Bay Times.
The NFL communications department didn't respond to a Tribune request for comment Monday. But Joe Lockhart, the NFL senior vice president of communications, told the Associated Press earlier Monday that the league was not close to making a decision regarding this week's games. Jacksonville also has its home opener against the Titans on Sunday.
"We're having a different conversation than we thought on Friday," Lockhart said.
"Miami and Tampa Bay received less than expected, and Jacksonville probably received more. ... Looking at Jacksonville and Tampa, we don't have any definite word. We're still doing assessments. We hope to have something in next few days."
